A PROPOSAL to charge for on-street parking in Cumbria has been slammed by Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron.

The move is one of a range of proposals published by Cumbria County Council this week as part of its £50m budget cuts.

In their consultation document for the 2011/12 budget the council said it hoped to charge for on street short stay and disc parking, which is currently free in many areas.

Mr Farron vowed to campaign against the move, which he claimed would adversely affect communities like Grange, Ambleside and Windermere where businesses rely on on-street parking to attract trade.

Mr Farron has already led a against a previous attempt to impose the charges, working with local businesses and chambers of commerce.

He said: "Our tourism industry needs all the help and support it can get and this proposal could be a huge blow.

"Charging people to park on the street is scandalous - I ask the Tory-led County Council to think again.

"I worked behind the scenes with tourism groups and local businesses to make sure that this didn't get through last year and we will do the same again."